Biological Sciences (Zoology) MBiol (Integrated Masters)

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. If there are insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this might not be offered, but we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative. 

In the first year the modules allow you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of Zoology. In Years 2 and 3 the subjects become more specialised and our modular scheme allows you to focus on the aspects of animal life which you find most interesting, ranging from animal behaviour to eco-physiology. A strong practical emphasis runs throughout the course, complementing a traditional approach to learning and giving you the chance to develop the practical skills which could be of great value in later employment.

In your third year you will undertake a Research Project on a subject of your choice, having been well prepared for this by a Project and Career Development module in Year 2. Past studies have included topics such as genetic diversity in European populations of Eurasian Lynx, identification of Nosema apis fungus from soil moisture and faeces from honey bee hives, a comparison of activity budgets and social behaviours of barbary macaques with and without dependent young, and suitable habitat for recolonisation of wolves in Central Europe.

Year 4 modules are common to a range of Biological Science Integrated master’s courses, but each subject specialisation will be achieved by students varying their selection of topics from within menus of material within each module. For example, a Zoology student will undertake an appropriate research project which will differ from the choices available to a Biochemistry student. Although there will be generic material, the individual skills delivered within the Applied and Commercial Research and Research Methods modules will also be tailored to deliver the individual needs of each Integrated Masters course.

Applied and Commercial Research is a unique aspect of our Integrated Masters programme compared with other institutions. It will offer students valuable insights into applied and commercial rather than just pure research. Most of this module will take advantage of current commercial and applied research expertise in our Charles Darwin Laboratories including the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit.

We enable you to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support through the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will enable you to flourish and be successful. In year 4 you will interact with other students from other disciplines to produce a commercial research proposal which you will 'pitch' to customers. This module will also allow you to reflect on your role. Year 4 will also involve independent learning via a 60 credit dissertation.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

Employability

For the first three years you will follow the same modules as students on the BSc (Hons) course, which offer excellent practical hands-on experience. This course will prepare you for a number of different career paths including wildlife warden, health services, scientific research, teaching and education, as well as progression to higher degrees such as a PhD.

It is becoming increasing difficult for graduates to obtain PhD positions with only a BSc (Hons) degree. Graduates with an Integrated Masters degree would have significant additional research expertise that would enable them to progress straight to an MPhil/PhD position. There is an increasing need for graduates in the UK economy as skilled researchers for UK PLC. Such graduates have much to offer within the general area of applied biological research but also, critically, to drive forward the innovation that is vital for the UK economy.

There are many opportunities to extend your experience and enhance your CV by carrying out voluntary work. Staff members in the Institute have links with several Wildlife Trusts (including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust) and other environmental and conservation agencies, Sea Life Centres, Safari Parks etc. and can help organise voluntary work (which can feed into Research Projects in the final year of study). There has also been the possibility for students to gain experience by volunteering to work within the Environmental Sustainability Eco Campus initiative.